"There's people out there who see seniors only as some drain on the community. They neglect those early-bird dinners and afternoon matinees, all those businesses that need seniors," she said.

Economics aside, Lederberg would like younger people to see seniors as a repository of skills, experience and wisdom that can be transferred to the community.

For 15 years, Marcus has been sharing his wisdom with participants in the Toastmaster Youth Leadership program in Broward County.

During that period, more than 4,000 students have received coaching from Marcus on how to develop a speech, project the voice and gain the confidence required for public speaking.

There are no secrets, said Marcus, a retired developer and builder.

"I do a little magic, maybe, but this is for everyone. Anyone can make an outstanding speech, but they have to work at it."

Glass, 73, retired as a special education teacher and district supervisor for the New York Board of Education, but she hasn't stopped working to help others.

"By doing things for others, you aren't centered on yourself," she said.

Glass is involved with many health-related groups. During Gov. Bob Graham's tenure, Glass was a health ombudsman empowered to investigate the quality of care in nursing homes.

She just ended a two-year term as vice president of the Broward Coalition of Condominiums. She is an active Gray Panther and member of the Broward chapter of the Older Women's League.

Kolber, 81, is being honored for her efforts to bring entertainment to other seniors.

For 12 years, she has been pianist and music director of the Show Stoppers, a troupe of performers who put on extravaganzas for fellow seniors.

Apart from her husband, William, the most precious thing in her apartment is her grand piano. She has had a piano with her since her days as a student at the Juilliard School of Music in New York.

"When I go, they better dig a big hole. The piano is coming with me so I can keep playing for the people up there," she said.

A tragedy propelled Williams into civic action. On the Fourth of July, 1987, a drunken driver killed her oldest son, Guy Williams Jr.

She knew something had to be done, so she joined the Broward chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. She now serves as secretary.

"I know nothing was going to bring back my son, but maybe something could be done to stop other lives being lost," she said.

She also is an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale and serves on the board of the Florida Unit of the American Cancer Society. She is president of the Northeast Federated Women's Club.

Williams is known as the woman with the welcoming smile who bakes up a storm for the club's get-togethers for seniors.

"There's a lot of people out there who live on their own. So when they come to the club, we try to reach out to them and let them know we're there," she said.

Williams has a simple philosophy: "If you can help someone, your life has not been in vain. We should all try to reach out to people."

The 11 seniors will be officially inducted at a commemorative breakfast on May 12 at David's Custom Caterers, 6501 W. Commercial Blvd., Tamarac. For reservations, call Ada McGrath at 485-6370. The cost is $10.